Calling all ladies in their 20's

NannaBaby

welcome skline! you are welcome to chat with us:)  we are a great supportive group of ladies!

TreadSoftly

Hi ladies!

Welcome skline, hope your daughter is doing well.

LibraryJenn - great to hear from you!  Im really hoping the chemo/naturopath combo does some serious cancer-kicking!!

A strange thing happened me yesterday girls....I was reading the Sunday papers.  There was a really powerful article in it from a journalist who lost her sister at the age of 30 last year to breast ca.  I started crying reading it and I just could not stop for ages afterwards!! 

My reaction really surprised me....I thought I was 'over' all of this breast cancer battle, being finished treatment etc 14 months, but reading that article was so over-powering and emotional..... It made me wonder why was I so lucky to be still alive, when this girl who never smoked/drank/was a vegan etc was now dead.... 

I guess it made me realise that maybe Im not over it as much as I thought I was and maybe I should go to a counsellor or something to talk it out....

Thanks for listening girls, PS spot my new avatar and the hair regrowth!!

Bee83

Finally a group I can relate to. I havn't met many others in their 20s who were diagnosed with BC. I am fairly new to the site. I found out I had breast cancer last year around Thanksgiving. I had my port placement surgery on my 27th birthday and started chemo the following week. I feel like this experience has helped me grow in a lot of ways. I have met many who have survived for 30+ years after being diagnosed in their 20s/early 30s. They have found love, had children and lead happy lives. Hearing that gave me hope.

At this point, I am finished with chemo, had a Mastectomy last week, and will be taking radiation treatments soon. My Oncologist just started me on Tamoxifen, I have a lot of the same concerns as kk11. The first thing my doctor told me was not to get pregnant while taking this medicine. Has anyone had any major side effects from this drug? I read a few things online but nothing positive.

Melanie_Ann

Bee your experience sounds a lot like mine. I was diagnosed at 26 last year. I found the lump around October and was diagnosed the week after Thanksgiving.

I have finished chemo and currently just finished 7 of 33 rads treatments. My Onc isn't putting me on Tamoxifen until I'm done with rads so I can't really answer that. I really hope it's not as bad as some people say..

Welcome to the group!

Bee83

Thanks Melanie

I thought that I was supposed to wait until after radiation to take Tamoxifen too. Sometimes everything seems so rushed. I have an appointment on Thursday to find out about Radiation treatments. I am guessing they will do some tests then schedule a date for me to start treatments. I guess the main thing to do is keep thinking positive.

@ Tread Softly, I know what you mean. Articles like that just tear me up inside. 

missnaida

Hi ladies

I was 22 when I was diagnosed in January 2011, stage II, invasive and noninvasive along with 3 fibroadenomas. The treatment I chose was lumpectomy, removal of 3 lymph nodes, and brachytherapy radiation. I had 28 catheters in my breast and was radiated twice a day for 5 days. I finished on the 16th of June. I start Tamoxifen today. I am going back to school this week and I am hoping for no reoccurrence. My doctor is publishing my results due to my age, type of cancer, and type of therapy. I also have implants.

 If you have any questions, feel free to ask  

redplasticboots

Hello, I am 26 and was diagnosed last month. I think it is stage II, invasive in the left breast. I have decided on a lumpectomy despite the presence of 4 other benign lumps in both breasts. The surgeon suggested a bilateral mastectomy - she said it would make "surveillance" easier. I rejected this, perhaps out of vanity? But, it struck me as so drastic? I am currently on neo-adjuvent therapy because I am hoping the the chemo would downstage the cancer - because I am node positive but have no desire to remove any nodes. I read a recent study by MSK Center that seems to suggest survival outcomes are similar with or without axillary clearance. I am ER+/PR+ and HER2- and now on adriamycin and cyclophosphamide. This also is another area that confuses me - because I read (on these boards) that adriamycin isn't effective for HER2- and I since found several other papers purporting this. 

I am unsure why I am posting this - I suppose it is in many ways to move this entire ordeal from the sphere of "surreal" into "real." My family is being very supportive - but I worry if I've been making the right decisions. 

as for coping; i started a thread elsewhere http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/102/topic/771069 on how mostly I am struggling to cope with anger and jealousy. At all my other friends who are allowed to sail through life without death and disease on their mind.  

An old school friend, passed away this year because of BC - she was also 26.  

Melanie_Ann

brownbum- I think it's crazy how many young people are diagnosed and the medical community hesitates to take us seriously at times. I was also 26- diagnosed in December. I had Taxoter, Cytoxan, and Adriamycin. Am ER+/PR+ and HER2-. I had an axillary dissection. I had a lumpectomy as well. I don't think you made the wrong decision. I think mine was made out of vanity as well, but I just couldn't part with  mine. I know have LE so I'm questioning the removal of my lymph nodes. I had one that was positive. They initially thought it was 2 but it was just one large one when I went in.

I just think you have to make the best decision for yourself. It's so difficult to determine what is right and what is wrong, what will work and what won't. For the most part, I believe our docs don't really know. That's why they continue to do research...

kk11

Hi ladies. I'm sorry I've been MIA. I went to a wedding 6 hours away last weekend. Then I had to postpone my expansion last Monday because my wound wasn't healing well, so they had to excise and restitch it. I had my port put in on Tuesday and started chemo the same afternoon. I'm just now getting my step back as I'm sure you all understand. So far round 1 has been similar to the last time I went through chemo, though how quickly I forgot how hard it would be. I remember subsequent treatments getting better with the act-d I received before. Does it get better with AC? Also, I didn't lose my hair before, but I know I'm going to now. I have noticed more hair coming out than usual, but nothing dramatic yet (it's only been 7 days since my first infusion). How did it happen for you ladies? I plan on having my husband give me a haircut tomorrow (just don't want to spend money on something I won't have for long) and then I guess we'll shave it when it becomes noticeable.

kk11

Jenn - I'm glad you're getting some energy back. Hope that the new chemo is truly kicking the cancer's ass!

Skline - I'm sorry to hear about your daughter, but glad you found a place where others are going through a similar experience. I hope the clinical trial is successful for her.

Treadsoftly - I'm still early in my breast cancer battle (had surgery and just started chemo), so I don't know what it's like to be 14 months out. But I think it's probably normal to have certain things remind you of your experience and also to question things. At times it makes me angry that I had to get this at age 28 when others around me have it so easy in life. But then I hear stories like the one you read and those are my reminders that I need to be thankful that my cancer was caught at stage 2A and not later, which it very well could have been. Thanks for the reminder.

 Bee83 - Welcome to the board. It must feel good to have finished chemo, though I know the road is still a long one. How are you doing after your mastectomy? For me, it was hard to find energy when I first came back from the hospital, but as I did more, I felt better. I'm doing chemo now, so kind of the reverse of your treatment. I won't be needing radiation therapy though and I know that changes the way reconstruction goes. Hope it keeps getting a little easier as time goes on. As for Tamoxifen, I'm not looking forward to starting it later this year, but I guess we'll just have to see how it goes. Did you start Tamoxifen already? I was told to wait until after my chemo and final reconstructive surgery since there are concerns about clotting.

Missnaida- Welcome to the group. It looks like you're getting things back on track for your schooling after finishing treatments, which is great. How is the Tamoxifen going for you? Also, did you have any chemo? Your treatment does seem different from most but I'm sure it's what is best for you individually.

Brownbum - I also had several doctors at first tell me that I should get a bilateral mastectomy due to my age. I then went to Stanford where I was told by their top breast surgeon that I could have a lumpectomy and have the same long-term outcome. I ended up with a mastectomy on the right side (where the cancer was) and I feel comfortable with my decision (thankful at the moment that I didn't let them take my left breast too). I think it's good that you are doing what feels right for you. Also, with neoadjuvent therapy you can see how the tumor responds to the chemo and you still have time to reflect on the type of surgery you want (if your opinion changes). My doctors thought I was node negative before surgery (and they were right) but I was told if I did neoadjuvent therapy, I'd need radiation regardless and I wanted to avoid that (part of my reason for my mastectomy), so I went for surgery first. That's interesting what you said about adriamycin not being as effective for HER2 negative cancers though. I will need to ask my doctor about that one. I am already not excited about the fact that I'm at increased risk for heart problems because of this treatment. 

I just thought of a few questions regarding the AC treatment for those of you who have been through it. Did any of you get bad heartburn and migraines from your treatment? I'm not sure if it's from the drugs or if it's because I spent days lying down not able to keep my head up and really only finding fruit desirable to eat.

Melanie_Ann

KK- I had TAC and I had reallly bad heartburn. Ended up in the ER a couple of times b/c I thought it was chest pain. I also had migraines- and had never had them before. 7 weeks post chemo and I'm getting fewer and fewer.

redplasticboots

Hi guys,

Good to hear form all you. The support really helps lift my mood - just knowing there are kindred spirits out there. Even though I suppose we are all walking slightly different paths - but towards the same destination. Getting over this stupid C word and getting our lives back. 

 Melanie> I am also experiencing chest pain - is that just heartburn? I don't actually know the difference. But I have been using medicated oil and Brendan Fraser movies to kill the pain. The Mummy is suprisingly good. Mindless but entertaining.  

Melanie_Ann

brownbum- Well I would talk to your dr about it. And if it gets uncontrollable, it might be best to call the office asap. Mine was always indigestion or heartburn but I did end up having a EKG at one point as well as a CT scan to rule out a PE. I would just confirm it with your dr. They might be able to give you something for it. Hope it's better today! And mine didn't usually last the whole time. Just a couple days after each treatment.

kk11

Thanks Melanie Ann. I am going to ask what I can take for the acid reflux since it's still bothering me 8 days after my infusion. I don't want to suffer through that too!

Brownbum- I hope you get some relief soon. I agree with Melanie Ann that if you aren't sure it's acid reflux/heartburn, then you should get it checked out. It's better to be safe than sorry. 

As for me, I think I'm going to ask to have them run some tests on my heart so I can get a baseline since I know that adriamycin can weaken the heart and it would be good to have that baseline if needed for the future. But I am pretty sure my symptoms are heartburn related. I just need some relief!

Melanie_Ann

Ok, so I wrote my previous message to brownbum..and I'm not sure she's the one that asked...haha. Sorry! So for anyone having heartburn- asking the doc first is the way to go!

kk- They SHOULD have done some sort of test before starting adriamycin. Have you started? I had a MUGA scan. But also an EKG and an echo later on, but that's just b/c I was having symptoms. The tech said it was the best echo he'd seen all day! But he also said most of the people he saw were in there 70s or up. I'm like...geee, thanks! If you've had surgery...they probably have a baseline EKG from that, so maybe that's what they will refer to in the future. That might be their thought, even if they didn't tell you. My doc decided to do a MUGA b/c I'm in a clinical trial study so I guess he wanted more documentation. I'm not sure. Good luck though! Heartburn is awful! 

Smile_On

Haven't been on in a while...but thought I would let everyone know that if you happen to have the style channel on your tv, tonight at 9pm eastern time there is an hour long special about young women with breast cancer...don't know that I'll summon up the courage to watch it as it is called "The Scar Project" and I've just finished step 1 of 2-3 surgeries for my reconstruction and have substantial scars on my back and chest and am a little sensitive to them still right now.  My latissmus dorsi reconstruction was a year to the day from bi-lateral mastectomy & TE's...I had just gotten used to those scars, now more and another set of TE's to get filled to stretch the lat muscles and new skin (couldn't keep the old b/c radiation made the skin and underlying tissues too weak).  I keep looking on the bright side though that this time I don't need to start chemo again right after surgery and I'll be able to start school with my kindergartener's this year instead of part-way through! I still think and pray often for everyone who is starting their cancer journey or is still receiving chemo. My tummy still churns every 3 weeks when I go in for my Herceptin infusion at the smells of saline, and heperin.

texasrose361

Hey been away for a while Sorry to hear about the crap you're going through Jenn, recently my last scans were NED so i KNOW it is possible for us young gals with aggressive cancer!

Smile i have heard of the scar project but i dont get that channel Thanks for sharing.

welcome skline and Bee

Bee and others who asked- You can take tamoxifen during radiation (i did) i think it matters when you get it though- the tamox has to be after chemo so if you get chemo before radiation then chances are your doc will get you on tamox ...

NannaBaby

Hey Ladies!

kk11- I did AC and I started to lose my hair after the second infusion.  It took about 1-2 weeks for it to come out completely.  You'll know when it's falling out, it will hurt a bit.  The hair follicles get sensitive to movement.  And I had migraines and heartburn, but my onc. said Zofran can trigger migraines and the decadron can be hard on the stomach.  So I changed my anti emetic to Emend and took zantac for heart burn. No constipation with Emend!  If your "heartburn" is unbearable, you should get it checked out to rule out PE.  I had 2 clots in my lungs   Now I'm on blood thinners.  Chemo is hardcore, and any issues should be addressed asap!  Don't feel like you're being a paranoid complainer.  It's better to be safe.  During my chemos I think I called my onc's nurses emergency # at least a dozen times and went to the emergency 6 times!  I did a lotal of 16 infusions, 4 AC 4 Taxotere 4 cisplatin and 8 Vinorelbine.

I had a full period last week! After a year of not having any. I hope that means I'm not infertile! Woohoo!

I am planning on going to Cuba again at the end of July-ish. it will be super hot! And I'll be in a bathing suit for a week. I hope I'll feel comfortable enough in my new body after my mastectomy. I have a few bathing suits that fit my prosthesis, but when I look down at my chest I can see the hollow space. I hope it's not too visible to others :S

I am participating in the Run for the Cure in October (5 kilometeres). So far I have raised $1000!!! My goal is $2000! I have been working out on the eliptical trainer, but not actually running yet. My stamina is shot! I hope I'll be able to start jogging soon!

Take Care!

TreadSoftly

NannaBaby - congrats on getting your period back!!!  Keep up the exercise, Im sure u will have the stamina to start jogging soon.  Well done on the fund-raising too!

TexasRose - thats great about your scans!!!  Delighted for you

kk11

Melanie_Ann - I know you were writing to brownbum, but it helped me too.

Smile On - I saw a promo for that show, so I recorded it. I think it's really good that they're doing it. I wish it was on primetime or something. People need to know the impact it has on young women to get any kind of cancer, but particularly breast cancer.

Texasrose - How are you?

NannyBaby - Thanks for the info on the hair. I'm on day 14 since my 1st cycle (cycle #2 is tomorrow so I'll be out for the count again for another week) and just noticed that the top back portion of my head is a bit sore to the touch, so I'm thinking it will come out soon. I hope it hangs on until Thursday since my Cancer Center has a wig clinic where the American Cancer Society gives away free wigs. My insurance isn't covering one (I'm appealing it), so I need to find an inexpensive or free (in this case) option. As for the side effects, I'm going to talk to them about it before my treatment tomorrow. I want to take Prilosec for the heartburn but need to ask them about it. I have been prescribed Zofran, Emend, Compazine, and Ativan for the nausea. Ativan knocks me out, so I'm sticking with the first 3 instead. They gave me Colace for the constipation too. I can't believe the # of pill bottles. Oh, and congrats on getting AF back! Must feel pretty good! And yay for the run for the cure! I was training for a 5k when I got diagnosed, so I plan to go back to training after I'm done with all of this. It won't be in time for this year's race, but hopefully for next year! 

I wanted to share something with you ladies. I have to give my Neulasta shot to myself on day 2, so I have to pick up my refill tomorrow. And my doctor had only written for 2 Emends per fill, but the copays were going to add up, so I did a bit of checking with my pharmacy plan and found out that they cover up to 29 Emend pills in one fill, so that will save me $120 if my doctor changes the way the prescription is called in. And for Neulasta, I can get 7 at once (which is the # of treatments I have left) if they write it that way, saving me another $120. I wanted to share that with you all since it could save other ladies here money too to check with your plans and see what the maximum quantity per fill is (it's the difference between having to pay the copay 8 times vs 1 one time - too bad I'm too late for cycle 1).

 Well, it's time to get to bed. I have to be up early tomorrow to get to the Cancer Center for a full day (blood draw, doctor's appointment, AC treatment, and an expansion). Long day ahead! 

Melanie_Ann

KK- whew, today is a busy day for you today. I hope it's going well! I had radiation and physical therapy today. I then came home and took a 2 hour nap. All these appointments are exhausting sometimes...

Nanna- sounds great about the race in October. I think I'd like to do one..but we'll see. I might participate in one in early August but I might only be walking. Either way, I'm sure it will be fun!

kk11

Melanie_Ann - It WAS a long day! I left at 7:30am to go to my in laws for breakfast (wanted french toast but wasn't feeling it!). Then I didn't get home until 4:30 since my expansion appointment was a bit later. So far this treatment has gone a little better than last treatment. I'm resting frequently but not hitting the floor like last time. Plus they switched up my meds since Zofran can cause bad headaches and I had that migraine last time. And I was told I can take prilosec for the heartburn, so I'm okay in that department. As for walking the race, I think that sounds like a good idea. Maybe I can do that in October instead of running. 

 Does or did anyone here get really red from the adriamycin? I have WAY too much color, like I've been in the sun! Happened last time too but only lasted for about 3-4 days. 

Melanie_Ann

Yes..I would get pretty flushed after each chemo. Except I'm not sure if mine was from the Adriamycin or the steroids...

texasrose361

treadsoftly- thanks

KK- i am doing good, been busy with the kids being out for summer- school starts Aug 9th (for my 6 yr old) and i CANT wait me and my son start school at the end of Aug

I know the anti nausea pills makes us sensitive to the sun so when i'd take them even being outdoors for less than 10 minutes would give me a sun burn.... I was taking compazine

kk11

Timothea - Glad to see you're doing well and enjoying time with your kids. As for the sun, I have been keeping out of it since I know I'm extra sensitive. My whole body seems flushed for several days after chemo (even parts that never saw sun), so I think it's more likely the chemo for me.

Melanie_Ann - I got steroids only on day 1 last time, but I'm on day 3 of them this time to help with the nausea. The redness is similar, so I'm thinking it's from the chemo, but I guess we can't be too sure! How far along are you in your radiation treatments? Hoping they're not going too bad.

AFM - I managed to get out with my husband to the Stanford Wig Bank and found a couple of decent wigs (donated from two organizations), so I got them for free! I'm on Day 17 since starting AC, so I think I got them just in time since while I was there, I started shedding like crazy (after having nothing on my pillow even up to this morning!). I plan on wearing scarves/wraps as well, but it's nice to know that I have a wig right here in case I want some "hair". For those of you looking for free wigs, the American Cancer Society is a great place to go to get one. I plan on donating the wigs back to the two organizations after I'm done so someone else can use them later. I didn't get any naps in today, so I'm fairly tired. I hope I'll sleep well tonight!

kk11

Hi ladies. Just checking in. I'm on Day 20 since my first cycle and currently on Day 6 of Cycle #2. I've been experiencing a rapid heart beat for the last 3 days and it's bothering me to the point that I can't relax and I can only sleep a few hours at a time. I thought it was the steroids they gave me to combat the nausea, but I took my last one on Thursday night and I'm still jumpy. Any suggestions? It makes me nervous knowing that cardiotoxicity is possible with adriamycin.

shiramg

have you checked your bpm?  if its above 100 you should get an ekg or echo.

kk11

shiramg - of course I never thought to do that! Well, it's 78 bpm, but that's high for me since I'm usually in the 60s resting. I got the order for an echo, just need to schedule it.

shiramg

78 is totally normal!  its prob a bit higher bc you are anxious.  i'm in the 90s when i'm stressed.  of course its better to play safe but i think you're fine

kk11

Thanks shiramg! I normally am not jumpy at all, so it's just unsettling to be jumpy for days on end. I think last night went a bit better in terms of sleep though I'm jumpy again this morning. Hopefully it gets better soon!